The biggest surprise of the Guardians’ opening series against the Mariners was the struggles of the pitching staff. One of the best in the league from both the starters and relievers the past couple of years, this was considered a strength of the team heading into this season.
At a pitcher-friendly ballpark, the Guardians’ starters gave up three, three, two, and six earned runs against Seattle. That simply will not cut it unless you are going deep into games, which they did not do. The strikeouts were there, as the Mariners have been a high strikeout rate team the past few seasons, but the control with walks and location of pitches were not great.
On top of the starters’ struggles, the bullpen had issues of their own. Peyton Pallette looked great in his first appearance, but then gave up runs Sunday night. The winter’s big signing, Shawn Armstrong, gave up a home run. Connor Brogdon gave up a home run, as did Colin Holderman. Even Cade Smith gave up a run.
Like the pitchers, walks were an issue for the relievers as well. Connor Brogdon, Matt Festa, and Tim Herrin were the onyl three relievers who did not issue a walk. Cade Smith’s walk was an intentional walk, so that can also slide.
All in all, the pitching staff was not great. The bullpen clearly missed Hunter Gaddis and the starting rotation struggled. Tanner Bibee getting injured in the first game is also something terrible that one can only hope is a short-term injury.
Sitting at 2-2 heading into Los Angeles is not the worst, but after going up 2-1 and getting shutout on National television on Sunday night left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth.
Getting back on track in a hurry after being no hit for six innings by Emerson Hancock is key. Fortunately, Roki Sasaki opens up the series and he had a really rough Spring. He is extremely vulnerable and could help the Guardians get their mojo back in the first game of this series.
A lot was learned in Seattle and a lot will be learned this week as well as the Guardians try to remain at .500 or better after taking on the two-time defending World Series champions.